Record turnout reported as counting due to start for referendum

We will know in a matter of hours if Ireland has made history and become the first country in the world to vote for marriage equality.

Counting of what will be a record number of votes cast in a referendum gets underway at 9am this morning, along with those cast in the Presidential age poll and the Carlow-Kilkenny by-election.

With high turnouts of more than 70% reported in some parts of Dublin and other areas of the country when polls closed at 10pm last night, voting in the marriage referendum will reach record levels.

It may not hit the percentage high of when the country voted on joining the EEC in 1972, but a larger electorate will mean a historic number of votes have been cast.

The ballot boxes have been transferred to count centres across the country and secured overnight and will be opened at 9am this morning.

They will be sorted into two piles - the marriage referendum and presidential age poll - and in Carlow Kilkenny another pile for the Dáil by-election.

By mid-morning a clear picture of how Ireland has decided on the marriage referendum will be known, with most observers expecting it to have passed comfortably.

A formal result is not expected to be declared at the national results centre in Dublin Castle until late in the afternoon.

A large screen will relay the announcement to around 2,000 people who will be granted access on a first come, first served basis.